World Leaders Unite to Eradicate TB

September 25, 2023

At the recent United Nations (UN) General Assembly’s high-level meeting on tuberculosis (TB), world leaders have unanimously endorsed a transformative Political Declaration outlining ambitious targets over the next five years to accelerate efforts to eliminate the global TB epidemic. These targets include ensuring that 90% of people affected by TB receive prevention and care services, employing WHO-recommended rapid tests for diagnosis, extending social benefit packages to all TB patients, licensing at least one new TB vaccine, and closing funding gaps for TB implementation and research by 2027.

Key targets encompass:
1. 90% Coverage for TB Prevention and Care: The commitment is to ensure that 90% of people affected by TB have access to vital prevention and care services, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
2. WHO-Recommended Rapid Testing: World leaders have endorsed the use of WHO-recommended rapid tests as the primary diagnostic tool for TB, enhancing early detection and treatment.
3. Universal Social Benefit Packages: An essential facet of this commitment is extending comprehensive social benefit packages to all individuals grappling with TB, addressing both medical and socioeconomic needs.
4. Licensing New TB Vaccines: A pledge to license at least one new TB vaccine within the next five years signals hope for more effective prevention strategies.
5. Closing Funding Gaps: A critical target is closing funding gaps for TB implementation and research by 2027, ensuring the necessary resources for combating the disease.

However, assessing progress toward 2018 TB targets, the WHO reported shortfalls primarily due to COVID-19 disruptions and ongoing conflicts. Funding for TB services in low- and middle-income countries also fell, creating a financing gap, while drug-resistant TB continues to pose a significant threat.

Dr. Tereza Kasaeva, Director of the WHO Global TB Programme, emphasized that this renewed commitment presents an opportunity to strengthen health systems and protect communities, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

A pivotal development leading up to the meeting was the launch of the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This council aims to facilitate the development, licensing, and use of new TB vaccines, addressing the limitations of the current BCG vaccine and seeking sustainable financing and partnerships for novel TB vaccine development and access. In conclusion, this historic declaration signifies a significant stride toward ending the TB epidemic, offering renewed hope and determination to combat this ancient health challenge on a global scale.

Source: WHO

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